Enhanced patient-orienting alternating pressure support apparatus

ABSTRACT

Described herein are systems and apparatuses for enhanced comfort through contact pressure reduction. In particular, the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein prevent or otherwise mitigate pressure by actively orienting a patient over an anatomy-specific pressure-mitigating contact surface on which the patient rests. A pressure-mitigating contact portion of the contact surface includes a plurality of independently pressurized chambers configured in a specific geometric pattern that is designed to mitigate contact pressure between a support surface (e.g., bed or chair) and a specific anatomic region of a patient&#39;s body when the specific anatomic region of the patient&#39;s body is oriented over an epicenter of the geometric pattern. In one embodiment, the geometric pattern includes a first independently pressurized relief chamber that intersects the epicenter of the geographic pattern, and second and third independently pressurized relief chambers that collectively encompass the first independently pressurized relief chamber.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/063,906, filed Oct. 25, 2013, entitled “ENHANCED PATIENT-ORIENTINGALTERNATING PRESSURE SUPPORT APPARATUS,” which is a continuation-in-partof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/660,429, filed on Oct. 25, 2012,entitled “PATIENT-ORIENTING ALTERNATING PRESSURE DECUBITUS PREVENTIONSUPPORT APPARATUS,” which claims priority to and benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/618,936, entitled“PATIENT-ORIENTING ALTERNATING PRESSURE DECUBITUS PREVENTION PILLOW,”which was filed on Apr. 2, 2012, the contents of which are expresslyincorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

At least one embodiment of the present invention pertains to medicalprevention and treatment devices, and more particularly to systems,methods, and/or apparatuses for the prevention and treatment ofdecubitus ulcers. Alternatively or additionally, at least one embodimentof the present invention pertains more generally to enhanced comfortthrough contact pressure reduction.

BACKGROUND

Decubitus ulcers (commonly known as pressure ulcers) are a frequent butoften avoidable complication in many bed bound or wheelchair boundindividuals. These pressure skin ulcerations typically occur as a resultof steady pressure in one location on the body such as, for example, thesacrum, most notably in patients who are in bed for prolonged periods oftime. Often times these patients are older, malnourished andincontinent, all factors predisposing patients to skin break down andulceration. These patients are often not ambulatory and sit forprolonged periods of time in the same position either in bed or in awheelchair. These individuals often are unable to reposition themselvesto alleviate the pressure. Consequently, the pressure on the skineventually causes ischemia or lack of blood flow to the area and skinbreakdown results. Once the ulceration has formed and the skin barrieris broken, infection may more readily enter the body and cause infectionand sepsis. The resulting infection often times leads to furtherdisability, and in some cases, death.

There are many support surfaces on the market for the prevention ofpressure ulcers. However, current support surfaces have manydeficiencies including the lack of the ability to control the spatialrelationship between the patient and the therapeutic surface (or contactsurface) and thus patients using these support surfaces may still end upwith pressure ulcer complications. Accordingly, a need exists for asystem that overcomes the above problems, as well as one that providesadditional benefits.

Overall, the examples herein of some prior or related systems and theirassociated limitations are intended to be illustrative and notexclusive. Other limitations of existing or prior systems will becomeapparent to those of skill in the art upon reading the following.

SUMMARY

Described herein are systems and apparatuses for the prevention andtreatment of pressure ulcers. In particular, the ulcer preventionsystems and/or apparatuses disclosed herein prevent or otherwisemitigate pressure ulcers by at least actively orienting a patient overan anatomy-specific pressure-mitigating contact surface on which thepatient rests. Alternatively or additionally, the systems andapparatuses can be utilized for improving comfort through contactpressure mitigation.

In one embodiment, a contact pressure-mitigation support apparatusincludes a base material, a pressure-mitigating contact portion, and aplurality of elevated side support portions. The pressure-mitigatingcontact portion including a plurality of independently pressurizedrelief chambers interconnected on the base material, wherein theindependently pressurized relief chambers are configured in a geometricpattern that mitigates contact pressure between a support surface and aspecific anatomic region of a user's body when pressure in theindependently pressurized relief chambers is alternated and the specificanatomic region of the user's body is oriented over an epicenter of thegeometric pattern. The plurality of elevated side support portionsinterconnected on the base material, wherein the side support portionsare configured to actively orient the specific anatomic region of theuser's body over the epicenter of the geometric pattern. Additionally,the geometric pattern includes a first independently pressurized reliefchamber that intersects the epicenter of the geographic pattern, andsecond and third independently pressurized relief chambers thatcollectively encompass the first independently pressurized reliefchamber.

In an embodiment, the first independently pressurized relief chambergenerally comprises an M-shape with the epicenter of the geometricpattern residing at the internal angle formed by the intersecting planesof the M-shape, and wherein the second independently pressurized reliefchamber generally comprises a C-shape that encompasses a left-mostbisection of the first independently pressurized relief chamber, andwherein the third chamber comprises a symmetric mirror image of thesecond chamber about the bisection of the first chamber.

In an embodiment, the pressure-mitigating contact portion of the contactpressure-mitigation support apparatus is fitted to the user's body suchthat when pressure in the independently pressurized relief chambers isalternated and the specific anatomic region of the user's body isoriented over the epicenter of the geometric pattern, thepressure-mitigating contact portion does not extend laterally orlengthwise beyond the user's body.

In an embodiment, the base material further comprises a first sidehaving a first material disposed thereon and a second side having asecond material disposed therein, and wherein the first material isconfigured for direct contact with the user's body and the secondmaterial is configured for direct contact with the support surface.

In an embodiment, the first material is breathable.

In an embodiment, the first material is more porous than the secondmaterial.

In an embodiment, the first material has a coefficient of friction thatis greater than the coefficient of friction of the second material.

In an embodiment, the contact pressure between the support surface andthe specific anatomic region of the patient's body is mitigated byalternating the pressure in one or more of the plurality ofindependently pressurized relief chambers.

In an embodiment, the elevated side support portions are configured toactively orient the specific anatomic region of the patient's body overthe epicenter of the geometric pattern when pressurized.

In an embodiment, a contact pressure-mitigating support surface includesa support apparatus, a pressure-mitigating contact portion, one or morechannel tubes, a plurality of elevated side support portions, a pump,and a controller. The pressure-mitigating contact portion includes aplurality of independently pressurized relief chambers incorporated inthe support apparatus and configured in a geometric pattern thatmitigates contact pressure between the support apparatus and a specificanatomic region of a user's body when the specific anatomic region ofthe user's body is oriented over an epicenter of the geometric pattern.The one or more channel tubes are incorporated in the support apparatusand configured to deliver pressure to the independently pressurizedrelief chambers. The plurality of elevated side support portions areincorporated in the support apparatus and configured to actively orientthe specific anatomic region of the user's body over the epicenter ofthe geometric pattern. The pump and the controller are incorporated inthe support apparatus and configured to pressurize each of theindependently pressurized relief chambers and regulate the pump,respectively.

In an embodiment, the one or more channel tubes, the pump, and thecontroller reside within the support apparatus.

In an embodiment, the pressure-mitigating contact portion is removablyattached to the support apparatus.

In an embodiment, the geometric pattern includes a first independentlypressurized relief chamber that intersects the epicenter of thegeographic pattern, and second and third independently pressurizedrelief chambers that collectively encompass the first independentlypressurized relief chamber.

In an embodiment, the first independently pressurized relief chambergenerally comprises an M-shape with the epicenter of the geometricpattern residing at the internal angle formed by the intersecting planesof the M-shape, and wherein the second independently pressurized reliefchamber generally comprises a C-shape that encompasses a left-mostbisection of the first independently pressurized relief chamber, andwherein the third chamber comprises a symmetric mirror image of thesecond chamber about the bisection of the first chamber.

In an embodiment, the pressure-mitigating contact portion of the contactpressure-mitigation support apparatus is fitted to the user's body suchthat when pressure in the independently pressurized relief chambers isalternated and the specific anatomic region of the user's body isoriented over the epicenter of the geometric pattern, thepressure-mitigating contact portion does not extend laterally orlengthwise beyond the user's body.

In one embodiment, a contact pressure-mitigating system includes acontact pressure-mitigation support apparatus, a pump, an a controller.The contact pressure-mitigation support apparatus including a basematerial, a pressure-mitigating contact portion including a plurality ofindependently pressurized relief chambers interconnected on the basematerial, wherein the independently pressurized relief chambers areconfigured in a geometric pattern that mitigates contact pressurebetween a support surface and a specific anatomic region of a user'sbody when pressure in the independently pressurized relief chambers isalternated and the specific anatomic region of the user's body isoriented over an epicenter of the geometric pattern, and a plurality ofelevated side support portions interconnected on the base material,wherein the side support portions are configured to actively orient thespecific anatomic region of the user's body over the epicenter of thegeometric pattern. The pump and the controller are configured topressurize each of the independently pressurized relief chambers andregulate pressure provided by the pump, respectively.

In an embodiment, the geometric pattern includes a first independentlypressurized relief chamber that intersects the epicenter of thegeographic pattern, and second and third independently pressurizedrelief chambers that collectively encompass the first independentlypressurized relief chamber.

In an embodiment, the geometric pattern includes a first independentlypressurized relief chamber that intersects the epicenter of thegeographic pattern, and second and third independently pressurizedrelief chambers that collectively encompass the first independentlypressurized relief chamber.

In an embodiment, the first independently pressurized relief chambergenerally comprises an M-shape with the epicenter of the geometricpattern residing at the internal angle formed by the intersecting planesof the M-shape, and wherein the second independently pressurized reliefchamber generally comprises a C-shape that encompasses a left-mostbisection of the first independently pressurized relief chamber, andwherein the third chamber comprises a symmetric mirror image of thesecond chamber about the bisection of the first chamber.

In an embodiment, the contact pressure between the support surface andthe specific anatomic region of the patient's body is mitigated byalternating the pressure in one or more of the plurality ofindependently pressurized relief chambers.

In an embodiment, the controller continuously determines the pressuresfor the plurality of independently pressurized relief chambers foroptimal interface pressure between the user and the contactpressure-mitigation support apparatus.

In an embodiment, the controller continuously determines the pressuresbased on one or more pressure criteria, the pressure criteria includinga weight of the user, a position of the user, or characteristics of thesupport surface.

In an embodiment, the controller is configured to receive the criteriawirelessly from a central database.

In an embodiment, the controller is configured to receive the criteriavia a port or connection in communication with the controller.

In an embodiment, the characteristics of the support surface include: aposition of the support surface or a type of support surface.

In an embodiment, the controller continuously directs the pump topressurize each of the independently pressurized relief chambersaccording to the determined pressures.

In an embodiment, the pressure-mitigating contact portion of the contactpressure-mitigation support apparatus is fitted to the user's body suchthat, when in use, the pressure-mitigating contact portion does notextend lengthwise beyond the user's body.

In an embodiment, the pump includes a silent valve system.

In one embodiment, a partial body alternating contact pressure overlaydevice includes a base material, a pressure-mitigating contact portion,a plurality of elevated side support portions, and one or more straps.The pressure-mitigating contact portion including a plurality ofindependently pressurized relief chambers interconnected on the basematerial, wherein the independently pressurized relief chambers areconfigured in a geometric pattern that mitigates contact pressurebetween a support surface and a specific anatomic region of a user'sbody when pressure in the independently pressurized relief chambers isalternated and the specific anatomic region of the user's body isoriented over an epicenter of the geometric pattern. The plurality ofelevated side support portions interconnected on the base material,wherein the side support portions are configured to actively orient thespecific anatomic region of the user's body over the epicenter of thegeometric pattern. The one or more straps interconnected on the basematerial, wherein the one or more straps are configured to secure thepressure mitigation support apparatus to the support surface. Thegeometric pattern includes a first independently pressurized reliefchamber that intersects the epicenter of the geographic pattern, andsecond and third independently pressurized relief chambers thatcollectively encompass the first independently pressurized reliefchamber.

In an embodiment, the first independently pressurized relief chambergenerally comprises an M-shape with the epicenter of the geometricpattern residing at the internal angle formed by the intersecting planesof the M-shape, and wherein the second independently pressurized reliefchamber generally comprises a C-shape that encompasses a left-mostbisection of the first independently pressurized relief chamber, andwherein the third chamber comprises a symmetric mirror image of thesecond chamber about the bisection of the first chamber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a side view of an example system for orienting a patientover an anatomy-specific pressure-mitigating contact surface on whichthe patient rests, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 depicts an example pressure mitigation support apparatus,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B depict top and side views, respectively, of anexample system for orienting a patient over an anatomy-specificpressure-mitigating support surface on which a patient rests, accordingto an embodiment.

FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B depict top and cross-sectional views, respectively,of an example pressure mitigation support apparatus, according to anembodiment.

FIG. 5 depicts an example pressure mitigation support apparatus,according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 depicts a flow chart illustrating an example process forcoordinated chamber inflation and deflation of a therapeutic surfacewhile the spatial relationship between the patient and the therapeuticsurface is controlled by the side-walls of the therapeutic surface.

FIG. 7 depicts a schematic diagram illustrating an example pressuremitigation support apparatus, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 depicts a side view of an example system for orienting a patientover an anatomy-specific pressure-mitigating contact surface with lowerextremity wedge on which the patient rests, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 depicts a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the exampleform of a computer system within which a set of instructions, forcausing the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologiesdiscussed herein, may be executed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure include examples of systems,methods, and apparatuses for the prevention and treatment of pressureulcers. In particular, the ulcer prevention systems and/or apparatusesdisclosed herein prevent or otherwise mitigate pressure ulcers byactively orienting a patient over an anatomy-specificpressure-mitigating contact surface on which the patient rests. Apressure-mitigating contact portion of the contact surface includes aplurality of independently pressurized chambers configured in a specificgeometric pattern that is designed to mitigate contact pressure betweena support surface (e.g., bed or chair) and a specific anatomic region ofa patient's body when the specific anatomic region of the patient's bodyis oriented over an epicenter of the geometric pattern.

The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not tobe construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described toprovide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certaininstances, well-known or conventional details are not described in orderto avoid obscuring the description. References to one or an embodimentin the present disclosure can be, but not necessarily are, references tothe same embodiment; and, such references mean at least one of theembodiments.

Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment”means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic describedin connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodimentof the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” invarious places in the specification are not necessarily all referring tothe same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodimentsmutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features aredescribed which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others.Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirementsfor some embodiments but not other embodiments.

The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinarymeanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in thespecific context where each term is used. Certain terms that are used todescribe the disclosure are discussed below, or elsewhere in thespecification, to provide additional guidance to the practitionerregarding the description of the disclosure. For convenience, certainterms may be highlighted, for example using italics and/or quotationmarks. The use of highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaningof a term; the scope and meaning of a term is the same, in the samecontext, whether or not it is highlighted. It will be appreciated thatsame thing can be said in more than one way.

Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any oneor more of the terms discussed herein, nor is any special significanceto be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussedherein. Synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one ormore synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use ofexamples anywhere in this specification including examples of any termsdiscussed herein is illustrative only, and is not intended to furtherlimit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplifiedterm. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodimentsgiven in this specification.

Without intent to further limit the scope of the disclosure, examples ofinstruments, apparatus, methods and their related results according tothe embodiments of the present disclosure are given below. Note thattitles or subtitles may be used in the examples for convenience of areader, which in no way should limit the scope of the disclosure. Unlessotherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein havethe same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in theart to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conflict, thepresent document, including definitions, will control.

In one embodiment, the ulcer prevention systems and/or apparatusescontrol pressure beneath specific anatomic locations of the patient forspecific durations in order to maximize blood flow and reduce pressureover bony prominences in an effort to reduce the incidence of pressureulcers. Thus, the ulcer prevention systems and/or apparatuses make itpossible to increase and decrease the pressure beneath a patient atspecific locations for set periods of time in order to maximize thepotential therapeutic benefits of the a therapeutic surface.

In one embodiment, the ulcer prevention systems and/or apparatuses arespecifically designed for mitigating pressure and/or otherwisepreventing pressure ulcers in the sacral area or region of the humananatomy. This is unlike prior art surfaces or overlays that aretypically placed beneath the entire length of the patient and do notfunction based on being uniquely oriented beneath a specific location(or anatomic region) of the patient.

In one embodiment, the geometric pattern is designed and/or shapedaccording to general human anatomy and/or the individual patient'sspecific anatomy. For example, if the ulcer prevention systems and/orapparatuses are designed to mitigate contact pressure between a supportsurface and the patient's sacral region then the independentlypressurized chambers are designed in specific shapes to fit to thepatient's pelvic bones, the gluteus muscles, and/or the sacral arteries.In one embodiment, the geometric pattern is symmetric and non-repeatingin nature.

In one embodiment, the device's patient contact portion is designed toactively orient the patient over the support surface portion in a waythat allows an apparatus to “know” for the first time the location ofthe patient on that device. The apparatus is designed to take advantageof this knowledge regarding the location of the patient to moreeffectively mitigate and systematically rotate the damaging pressurethat leads to the formation of pressure ulcers.

In one embodiment, the apparatuses described herein comprise mattressoverlay devices. The described overly devices differ from the prior artmattress overlays that cover the full surface of the bed. Further, theprior art mattress overlays typically have a repeating patternthroughout and allow a patient to freely move about over the entiresurface of the bed. Conversely, the apparatuses described herein areanatomy-specific and may only be the size of the patient's anatomy thatmakes contact with the apparatus. Accordingly, the disclosed systems,methods, and apparatuses take advantage of the inherent knowledge of thepatient's location on the anatomy-specific pressure-mitigating contactsurface to systematically rotate and/or otherwise alternate the damagingpressure that leads to the formation of pressure.

In one embodiment, the patient can be actively oriented over ananatomy-specific pressure-mitigating contact surface by controlling thespatial relationship between the patient and the contact surface throughthe use of one or more side support portions. In some embodiments, theside support portions may be inflatable. In other embodiments, the sidesupport portions are fixed. In the former case, the side supportportions may be independently inflated with any appropriate gas orliquid. The inflation of the side support portions is independent of thepressurized relief chambers on the pressure-mitigating contact portion.In some embodiments, the side support portions may be inflatedindependent of each other in order to properly orient the patient. Thiscan be based on the actual pressure in a side support portion versus anexpected pressure in that side support portion as determined by acontrol device. Alternatively or additionally, one or more sensors canbe built into the side support portions that identify discrepancies inthe ideal position of the patient on the anatomy-specificpressure-mitigating contact surface and attempt to adjust the patientaccordingly (e.g., by independently adjusting the pressure in the sidesupport portions).

In one embodiment, the pressure in the side support portions is fixed.In this case, the fixed side support portions may be fixed using aliquid, a gas, and/or a solid. In the case where a solid is used,Styrofoam, and/or any “cushion like” materials can be utilized. The sidesupport portions may be elevated in height above the anatomy-specificpressure-mitigating contact surface in order to prevent a patient fromlateral movement (i.e., movement along the x-axis). For example, theside support portions may be elevated, when inflated, two to threeinches in vertical height above the average surface height of thepressure-mitigating contact portion.

Further, to prevent movement along the y-axis the anatomy-specificpressure-mitigating contact surface may be designed such that a specificportion of the contact surface is aligned over the surface of a V formedin a patient's hospital bed. In one embodiment, the side supportportions may be attached to the sides of a pressure-mitigating contactportion. In one embodiment, the side support portions may be configuredwith a recess configured to accommodate a patient's elbow. The recessthat accommodates the patient's elbow results in a more comfortabledevice that offloads pressure over the elbow of the patient.

In one embodiment, the design of the ulcer prevention systems and/orapparatuses disclosed herein take into account and/or control forvarious factors that influence functionality and/or effectiveness of theulcer prevention systems and/or apparatuses. For example, the systemsand/or apparatuses may take time, space, patient weight, patientposition, real-time interface pressure, existing conditions (e.g.,existing pressure ulcers), and/or human anatomy into account in theprevention of pressure ulcers.

In one embodiment, the systems and/or apparatuses may be employed as amattress overlay. For example, the overlay device or apparatus could bedeployed on any mattress or chair. Alternatively or additionally, thesystems and/or apparatuses may be incorporated into the design of amattress.

In one embodiment, the surface area of the pressure relief surface isdesigned to match (or be less than) the size of the patient's surfaceanatomy in the region of contact made between the patient's anatomicregion and the device. For example, the size of the pressure reliefsurface may be the size of the patient's surface anatomy in the regionof contact made between the patient's sacral region and the pressuremitigation support apparatus. Further, the pressure relief surface maybe contoured to fit the surface topography of the patient's surfaceanatomy in the region of contact made between the patient's sacralregion and the pressure mitigation support apparatus. The internalanatomy is considered in the pattern—not the height—of the reliefchamber design.

In one embodiment, the pressure relief apparatus is designed such thatno portion of the independently pressurized relief chambers of thesurface area of the pressure relief surface in contact with the patientis left uncovered by the patient. That is, the independently pressurizedrelief chambers in contact with the patient can be smaller than or equalto but not larger than the area of contact with the patient. Thisfeature improves performance of the pressure relief apparatusesdescribed herein. Conversely, with prior art standard alternatingpressure overlays, the pressure relieving air cells are much larger thanthe contact area with the patient and therefore the air cells are onlypartially covered by of the patient. Thus, with prior art designs, theuncovered portions of the pressure relieving air cells act as areservoir “sink” for the inflated air and minimize the liftingcapabilities of these surfaces that are needed to create areas of lowpressure fundamental to the optimal functioning of such a device.

In one embodiment, the independently pressurized relief chambers of thepressure relief apparatus are unique in that the entirety of the surfacearea of the independently pressurized relief chambers are in contactwith the patient such that no portion of the independently pressurizedrelief chambers is left uncovered by the user. Therefore, in thisembodiment, the individual independently pressurized relief chambers ofthe pressure relief apparatus can be smaller than or equal to but notlarger than the area of contact with the patient. This feature canimprove performance of the pressure relief apparatus. In the case ofprior art standard alternating pressure overlays, the pressure relievingair cells are much larger than the contact area with the patient andtherefore the air cells are only partially covered by of the patient.Thus, with prior art designs, the uncovered portions of the pressurerelieving air cells act as a reservoir “sink” for the inflated air andminimize the lifting capabilities of these surfaces that are needed tocreate areas of low pressure fundamental to the optimal functioning ofsuch a device.

In one embodiment, the systems and/or apparatuses can be employed as amattress overlay and/or incorporated into the design of a mattressitself. The overlay can be deployed on any mattress or chair. The designof the pressure mitigation surface portion of the overlay portion of thedevice takes into account multiple factors. These factors includepatient comfort, patient anatomy, patient position (seated, flat, 30degrees head up), and anatomic locations with a propensity to developpressure ulceration.

It is appreciated that the term “patient” as used herein can include anyindividuals, users or persons that are in bed for prolonged periods oftime and thus susceptible to pressure ulcers.

FIG. 1 depicts a side view of an example system 100 for orienting apatient over an anatomy-specific pressure-mitigating contact surface onwhich the patient rests, according to an embodiment. The example system100 includes a patient 110, a support surface 115, a pressure mitigationsupport apparatus 120 and a control device 130. A more detailed exampleof a specific pressure mitigation support apparatus (e.g., partial bodyalternating contact pressure mattress overlay device) is shown anddiscussed in greater detail with respect to FIG. 2.

In the example of FIG. 1, the pressure mitigation support apparatus 120is comprised of two elevated side support portions 125, apressure-mitigating contact portion (shown in FIG. 2), and straps 126.The pressure-mitigating contact portion includes a plurality ofindependently pressurized relief chambers interconnected on a basematerial. As described herein, the independently pressurized reliefchambers are configured in a geometric pattern that mitigates contactpressure between the support surface 115 and a specific anatomic regionof a patient's body when the specific anatomic region of the patient'sbody is oriented over an epicenter of the geometric pattern. The supportsurface 115 may be a hospital bed and/or mattress.

The elevated side support portions 125 are configured to actively orientthe specific anatomic region of the patient's body over the epicenter ofthe geometric pattern. As shown, the specific anatomic region of thepatient's body is the sacral region. However, it is appreciated that thespecific anatomic region can be any specific region of the patient'sbody that is susceptible to pressure ulcers. The side support portions125 are configured so as to be ergonomically correct. For example, theside support portions 125 may be configured with a recess to accommodatethe patient's elbows in some embodiments resulting in a more comfortableapparatus that off loads pressure over the elbow of the patient.

The elevated side support portions 125 can be significantly larger insize as compared to the size of the pressure relief surface air cells.As a result, the elevated side support portions 125 create a barrierthat keeps a patient from moving laterally or sideways off of theanatomy-specific pressure-mitigating contact surface. In one embodiment,the elevated side support portions 125 may be on average at least 2-3inches taller in vertical height after inflation as compared to theaverage height of the inflated (or pressurized) pressure-mitigatingcontact portion. Because the elevated side support portions 125 arelarger and do not go underneath the patient, but instead straddle thesides of the patient, the elevated side support portions 125 act to holdand position the patient on top of the anatomy-specificpressure-mitigating contact surface.

The straps 126 are configured to secure the pressure mitigation supportapparatus to the support surface.

In one embodiment, inner side walls of the elevated side supportportions 125, on initial inflation of higher pressure, form a firmsurface at a steep angle of orientation with respect to the patient onthe pressure mitigation support apparatus 120. For example, the innerside walls may be on a plane of 115 degrees plus or minus 25 degreesfrom the plane of the pressure mitigation support apparatus 120. Thesesteep inner side walls create a steeply angled side wall down which thepatient, when positioned inappropriately off to one side or another,will slide down toward an epicenter of a geometric pattern formed on thepressure mitigation support apparatus 120. Thus, inflation orpressurization of the elevated side support portions 125 actively forcesthe patient into a position ideal for the mitigation of pressure byorienting the user in the correct position over the pressure mitigationsupport apparatus 120. As a result, the patient's anatomy will becorrectly aligned with respect to the x-axis.

Once the initial inflation cycle has finished and the user is properlypositioned, the internal pressures of the elevated side support portions125 may decrease to a lower pressure to increase comfort and preventexcessive force against the lateral aspect of the patient. Ideally, acaregiver of the patient will be present during the initial positioningof the patient over the pressure mitigation support apparatus 120 toensure proper positioning of the patient by the elevated side supportportions 125.

In one embodiment, the elevated side support portions 125 comprisesteeply angled side walls. For example, the walls may be angled suchthat the inner aspect of the elevated side support portions 125 whichcontact the user on the lateral aspects of each hip/thigh regionsimultaneously will form an obtuse angle of between 90 to 145 degreeswith respect to the plane of the pressure mitigation support apparatus120 (i.e., a pressure-mitigating contact portion). The elevated sidesupport portions 125 may be connected by pressure channels (e.g., airchannels).

In one embodiment, the elevated side support portions 125 are inflatedand deflated in series together. Thus, like the independentlypressurized relief chambers, the air pressure in the elevated sidesupport portions 125 can be controlled by the control device 130.Alternatively or additionally, each side support portion of the elevatedside support portions 125 can be controlled by a unique control deviceand/or pump within the pump housing. The pressures within the elevatedside support portions 125 can be determined based on pre-set parametersof the individual pump cycle as determined on an individual patientspecific basis (e.g., individual parameters based on the weight,existing pressure ulcers, and/or position of the patient).

In one embodiment, there can be one or more air (or pressure) channels(not shown) between the elevated side support portions 125. In somecases, the air channels can be redundant. Redundancy of air channelsallows for even distribution of air (or other pressure) between theelevated side support portions 125. For example, one air channel maytraverse the outside (or perimeter) of the pressure mitigation supportapparatus 120 to the top of the apparatus while a second air channeltraverse the outside of the pressure mitigation support apparatus 120 alower edge of the apparatus. This configuration or arrangement creates aclosed loop circle around the pressure mitigation support apparatus 120which allows air to pass unobstructed from the pump into a first one ofthe elevated side support portions 125 through the connecting airchannels and into a second one of the elevated side support portions 125without the weight of the patient blocking both channels simultaneouslyas this is physically improbable with the redundant configurationdescribed herein.

In one embodiment, the pressure channels can flare out slightly at thepoint of entry into the elevated side support portions 125 so as toreduce the likelihood of kinking or otherwise disturbing the inflationand/or pressurization of the pressure channels.

In one embodiment, the pressure mitigation support apparatus 120 canhave an additional elevated side support portion 125 that is positionedbetween the legs of a patient along the lower aspect of the pressuremitigation support apparatus 120 (not shown). This additional elevatedside support portion 125 can prevent a patient from migration toward thefoot of the bed in the y-axis.

In one embodiment, the elevated side support portions 125 function muchlike the side arms of a chair which has a seat portion that is the samesize as the “seat” of the user (e.g., a chair that is too small for auser) These side arms allow only a small lateral position shift of theuser. As is the case with the pressure mitigation support apparatus 120,this minimal lateral motion is not great enough to allow the user todisplace their location off of the pressure mitigation support apparatus120 to a degree that will render the pressure relief characteristicsless effective.

The control system 130 is configured to regulate the pressure of each ofthe independently pressurized relief chambers via a pressure device 132(e.g., air pump) and multi-channel tubing 135. For example, theindependently pressurized relief chambers may be controlled in aspecific pattern to preserve blood flow and reduce contact pressure wheninflated (pressurized) and deflated (depressurized) in a coordinatedfashion that is controlled by the control device 130. The multi-channeltubing 135 connects the pressure mitigation support apparatus 120 withthe air pump control system 130. One or more connectors (not shown) maybe used to make these connections.

The control system 130 is configured to be programmed by a patient,healthcare personnel, the patient, etc. In one embodiment, the controlsystem 130 can be programmed on a patient-specific basis to manage andmitigate pressure on one or more existing pressure ulcers that arecurrently present on a patient in a specific anatomic location. As thegeometry of the design is specific to the patient's anatomy, thelocation of the pressure ulcer on the patient can be entered into thecomputer controlled pump and the ideal pressure time cycle optimized forhealing the ulcer in that specified anatomic location. For example, if apatient has an ulcer in the typical location over the sacral bonecentrally, the cycle will preferentially drop the pressures in thislocation and shorten the duration of pressure delivered to this locationin order to promote healing of the ulcer. Similarly, if the ulcerationis located over a specific ischial tuberosity, right or left, thepressure can be preferentially relieved in this location as theindependently pressurized chambers are specifically designed to fit theunderlying anatomy and each region of concern is able to be controlledspecifically.

In one embodiment, the multi-channel tubing 135 comprises multi-lumentubing to control pressure at different chambers of the plurality ofindependently pressurized chambers. Multi Lumen tubing has multiplechannels running through its profile. Multi Lumen tubing has a variableOuter Diameter (OD), numerous custom Inner Diameters (ID's), and variouswall thicknesses. The tubing can be in a number shapes; circular, oval,triangular, square, crescent, etc.

In one embodiment, the control system 130 may comprise acomputer-controlled multi-channel air pump. The control system 130 mayhave a number of programmable settings and memory to rememberpreferences. Further, in some embodiments, the control system 130 cancontrol pressure beneath one or more specific anatomic location(s) forspecified durations in order to maximize blood flow and reduce pressure.The specified durations can be programmable. For example, the controlsystem 130 can control the pressure in each of the individualpressurized relief chambers of the pressure mitigation support apparatus120 such that the pressure in any chamber changes or is modified after aspecified period of time. In this way, no part of the patient's body isleft in contact with the pressure mitigation support apparatus 120 formore than a period of time. The period of time is programmable and maybe based on pre-programmed settings or customizable by the patientand/or a health care professional.

Unlike some alternating pressure support surfaces, the adjustable sidewalls 125 fix the relationship between the patient and the pressuremitigation support apparatus 120. As a result the pressure mitigationsupport apparatus 120 can reliably reduce pressure in a concerted orconsistent fashion for any specific region of the patient's body injeopardy of developing a pressure ulcer because the patient is not freeto move about over the pressure mitigation support apparatus 120.Further, unlike products with side support surfaces such as, forexample, supports to keep patients from falling off a large overlaysupport surface (i.e., a mattress overlay) or the supports on a typicalhospital bed, the side supports 125 are customizable to the patient. Forexample, the side walls 125 may be inflatable (pressurized) to fit tothe patient and keep the patient in the correct position (i.e., keep theanatomic region of the patient's body oriented over an epicenter of thegeometric pattern). The pressure mitigation support apparatus 120presented herein is designed with a geometry that requires the patientbe properly held in position on the surface in order for the design toeffectively mitigate the pressure beneath the patient and maximize bloodflow to the tissues at risk for ulceration.

In one embodiment, the side supports 125 will contact the patient gentlyon the lateral aspect of both hips simultaneously in order to activelyorient the patient in the correct orientation on the surface. Thepressure mitigation support apparatus 120 can be customized specificallyto each individual patient in order to be effective at pressure ulcerreduction. As will be appreciated, this design is quite different fromthe support surfaces that utilize side walls as a safety barrier toprevent patients from moving off or falling off the surface support asthe patient is free to move about over these surfaces laterally betweenthe sidewalls that are typically as wide apart as a standard hospitalbed. These current products do not require the person to be in a preciselocation on the surface as opposed to the patient-orienting surfacedescribed here.

Being anatomy (or location) specific beneath the patient, allows theapparatus to evenly distribute and rotate pressure from one knownlocation to another ensuring that no one area is under the damagingeffects of constant pressure for a prolonged period of time that couldlead to cell death from ischemia that leads to tissue breakdown andpressure ulcer formation. Prior art support surfaces which allow apatient to move freely over the support surface cannot reliably rotatepressure from a specific area to another and therefore are limited intheir ability to prevent pressure ulceration as compared to the systemsand apparatuses described herein.

Ideally, patients are positioned head up at 30 degrees in bed to preventaspiration pneumonia and to optimally offload the patient's weight offof the sacrum and ischial tuberosities. This is also the ideal bedposition to ensure optimal function of the apparatuses disclosed herein.However, in the event that a patient is positioned flat in bed at 0degrees as shown is the case of the intubated, anesthetized andhypotensive ICU patient (and as shown in FIG. 1), it will be necessaryto confirm ideal patient position over the device without the benefit ofy-axis orientation control achieved by placing the bed at 30 degreeshead up (discussed in greater detail with reference to FIG. 3).

In one embodiment X- and/or Y-axis orientation control can bealternatively or additionally achieved through the use of a radiofrequency (RF) antenna device. For example, as an additional measure toconfirm patient location over the epicenter of our device, an RF antennacan be incorporated into the pressure-relieving surface. A thin flexibleRFID tag/label may be placed on the patient's sacrum using a biologicdressing material. When in the proper orientation, the RFID tag will bedetected by the antennae and a signal light and sound will confirm thecorrect position without needing to look beneath the patient and inspectcorrect location by direct vision. The indicator signal will display thecorrect direction in which to move the patient should reorientation berequired by the staff to ensure the immobile patient is correctlypositioned over the device to maximize pressure redistribution andpressure rotation/relocation.

FIG. 2 depicts an example pressure mitigation support apparatus 200,according to an embodiment. The pressure mitigation support apparatus200 includes side supports 225 and a pressure-mitigating contact portion222. The pressure-mitigating contact portion 222 includes a plurality ofindependently pressurized relief chambers 227. The independentlypressurized relief chambers 227 are configured in a specific geometricpattern that mitigates contact pressure between a support surface and aspecific anatomic region of the patient's body when the specificanatomic region of the patient's body is oriented over an epicenter ofthe geometric pattern.

As shown in the example of FIG. 2, the epicenter may be a central pointof the pressure mitigation support apparatus, however the epicenter neednot be the central point of the apparatus. For example, the epicentermay not be the central point if the pressure mitigation supportapparatus is not symmetric (or even if it is). In some embodiments, theepicenter is a portion of the device that is specifically designed tomatch up with an epicenter of the specific anatomic region of thepatient's body (e.g., the sacral bone when the specific anatomic regionis the sacral region). In one or more embodiments, the epicenter will bemarked so that a patient and/or a caregiver (e.g., nurse) can easilyidentify the epicenter of the apparatus.

In this example, the pressure mitigation support apparatus 200 includesa plurality of independently pressurized relief chambers 227 that areconfigured in a specific “C-shaped” geometric pattern that effectivelymitigates and/or otherwise relieves contact pressure between a supportsurface and a sacral region of a patient's body when the pressure in theplurality of independently pressured relief chambers 227 is alternated.The anatomy specific “C-shaped” geometric design allows the geometricpattern to properly align with the patient's anatomy resulting insuperior redistribution and relocation of pressure as compared to priorart support surfaces.

The geometric pattern(s) described herein are specifically designed tocoincide with the internal anatomy of the sacral region. For example,the geometric pattern of independently pressurized relief chambers 227conforms to a shape based on the internal anatomy (muscle, bone, vessel)in order to maximize the pressure-relieving properties of the apparatus.As a result, pressure relief can be provided in specific areas of thesacral region that are most prone to ulcer formation, namely over thebony prominences—the sacrum and ischial tuberosities. The pattern of theapparatus is therefore symmetric and non-repeating in nature. This isdifferent from prior art support surfaces that typically employrepeating patterns over a large surface area of an entire bed mattress.The functionality of these prior art surfaces do not require knowledgeof the location of a patient. That is, with prior art surfaces there isno benefit for the patient being in one location verses another.Accordingly, the prior art surfaces are less effective and less accuratethan the systems and/or apparatuses disclosed herein.

In the example of FIG. 2, the geometric pattern illustrates two lateralrelief chambers forming “C” shapes facing each other around a centralcircular relief chamber which is the size of the sacral bone andpositioned directly over the sacral bone. The central circular reliefchamber is designed to fit the area of skin just at the top of thegluteal fold that overlies the sacral bony prominence which is the areaat greatest risk for pressure ulcer formation.

In addition to the ability to directly relieving central pressure, thedevice is designed to intermittently relieve pressure just lateral tothis central area. It is in this lateral region that the blood supply tothe central region is located. The major blood supply via a named arteryto the skin overlying the central sacral area runs in a course from deepwithin the pelvis around the lateral aspect of the sacral bone andtravels to the skin overlying the sacrum centrally. Lateral pressuredirectly beneath the C shape regions which overlies the feeding arterialblood supply to the central sacral region will lead to ulcerationcentrally over the sacral bony prominence. The C shapes are locateddirectly over the superior gluteal arteries, the vascular blood supplyto the skin overlying the sacral bone.

A right and left superior gluteal artery run beneath the right and leftC shapes respectively. By deflating the relief chamber that comprisesthe right C shape while the central air cell and the left C shapedrelief chamber remain inflated, the pressure over the right superiorgluteal artery is relieved and blood flow is optimized through the rightsuperior gluteal artery to skin overlying the central area over thesacral bone. Similarly, pressure can be relieved over the left superiorgluteal artery by performing a similar process with respect to theC-shaped air cell over the left superior gluteal artery. Pressure isrotated from one area to another as a result. The harmful effects ofconstant pressure in one location for a prolonged period of time whichcan lead to pressure ulcer formation are therefore avoided. These aircells are intertwined so that any individual air cell may be deflatedand the other air cells that remain inflated will support the areadefined by the now un-inflated air cell such that an area of lowpressure is created in the area beneath the un-inflated air cell.

In one embodiment, the specific pressure mitigation support apparatus200 may be a partial body alternating contact pressure mattress overlaydevice as shown and discussed in greater detail with respect to FIG. 3Aand FIG. 3B. The pressure mitigation support apparatus 200 may be thepressure mitigation support apparatus 120 of FIG. 1; althoughalternative configurations are possible.

In the example of FIG. 2, the side supports 225 control the spatialrelationship between the patient and the pressure-mitigating contactportion 222. As discussed, the geometric pattern of thepressure-mitigating contact portion 222 is designed to reduce constantpressure on the patient in the same place. In one embodiment, the sidesupports 225 may not be inflatable but fixed. In one embodiment, sidesupports 225 are disposed on each side of the support surface 200 tosupport patients of variable hip width. Further, in some embodiments,the side supports 225 may be decreasing in width from the outermost wallto the innermost wall. It is appreciated that a geometric pattern isshown for simplicity. The pressure-mitigating contact portion 222 mayinclude a variety of different patterns and/or designs and sizes.Further, it is appreciated that the specific pressure mitigation supportapparatus 200 can be designed to reduce pressure for specific regions orportions of a patient's body and/or for a patient's entire body in someinstances.

A control system such as, for example, the control system 130 of FIG. 1individually controls the pressure in each of the independentlypressurized relief chambers. The pressure and length of time each aircell is at a specific pressure will be determined by an algorithm withinthe software program. In order to maximize the efficacy of the system,the specific pressures and timing cycles that will be utilized arepatient-specific. The specific program (time/pressure cycle) specifiedfor an individual patient may be determined by the specific patient'scharacteristics and/or factors that are entered into the pump controllerprogram. This data is used to call for the optimal program for thatpatient. Possible characteristics and/or factors can include, but arenot limited to, the patient's weight, the type of surface upon which theapparatus or overlay rests (e.g., bed, stretcher, air mattress, etc.),the patient position (flat in bed, bed at 30 degrees, bed at 45 degrees,bed at 90 degrees, sitting in chair, etc.), and/or the location ofpreexisting pressure ulcers. These characteristics and/or factors may beused to determine the pressure for the independently pressurized reliefchambers over a period of time (e.g., the alternating pressure or thepressures needed to effectively redistribute and relocate pressurewithin a specific anatomic area).

In one embodiment, real-time (or near real-time) feedback from theindependently pressurized relief chambers will allow the pump to adjustthe pressure within each relief chamber towards the desired set pressurefor each air cell at each phase of the cycle. Each relief chamber may beset to a specific pressure for a specific length of time. The cycles ofeach chamber will be coordinated with respect to all other chamberscreating a coordination of inflations and deflations of the entire groupof pressure relief chambers to maximize pressure redistribution andrelief within the apparatus. It is appreciated that there are a finitenumber of cycle patterns that can achieve the desired result based onthe physical constraints dictated by the human anatomy, the size of thesacral area, and the size that the air cells need to be in order to beeffective at pressure relief yet comfortable and not prone to mal-alignthe long axis of the patient's spine if they are too tall in height.

The physiologic pressure around 32 mmHg is the ideal threshold belowwhich pressure ulceration is less likely to occur. Given this idealpressure target of 32 mmHg, the apparatus includes an ideal size of 2-3inches for the pressure relief chambers in a partial body overlay thatwill create the required wall tension of the surface of these air cellsto effectively redistribute high pressure points without causingmal-alignment of the long axis of the patient's spine. Additionally, insome embodiments, the difference in height between adjacent pressurerelief chambers is not more than 1 inch in vertical height afterinflation so as not to create a surface that is uncomfortable to thepatient.

The ideal internal pressures that are optimal in conjunction with theidentified ideal shapes of the pressure-relieving portion of the deviceor apparatus, namely, given the shape and design of the pressure reliefsurface (or pressure-mitigating contact portion), using pressures withinthe central pressure relief chamber that are on average 10 mmHg higherthan the two lateral pressure relief chambers will produce, includeoptimal redistribution of interface pressure between the patient and thedevice.

In one embodiment, the pressure mitigation support apparatus 200 may beconstructed of various materials. For example, material used inconstruction of the inflatable or patient contact portion of thepressure mitigation support apparatus 200 may be determined by thenature of the contact. If the pressure mitigation support apparatus 200is in direct contact with skin a soft, low sheer, breathable fabric isideal. This fabric will have an impervious lining like, for example,polyurethane, etc. that is air tight and used to create the air tightchambers. The materials may be reusable and sterilizable. Conversely, ifthe pressure mitigation support apparatus 200 is underneath a protectivecover or bed sheet, then the inflatable device can be made of animpervious flexible material like polyurethane. This is ideal for amulti-patient patient as it is easily washable and sterilized.

FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B depict top and side views, respectively, of anexample system 300 for orienting a patient over an anatomy-specificpressure-mitigating support surface 320 on which a patient (not shown)rests, according to an embodiment. In this example, the anatomy-specificpressure-mitigating support surface 320 is used in conjunction with atypical hospital bed 315 (i.e., support surface) to control the spatialrelationship between the patient and the hospital bed. A control system330 alternates pressure in the chambers of the anatomy-specific pressuremitigating support surface 320. The control system 330 may be thecontrol system 130 of FIG. 1, although alternative configurations arepossible.

More specifically, in the examples of FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B the supportdevice 320 is placed on or otherwise secured to a standard hospital bed315 that can maintain a 30 degree incline position. The epicenter of thedevice 328 is aligned over the break in the bed so that when a patientis seated on the device the side supports 325 keep the person centeredlaterally (e.g., along the x-axis or from side to side). In thisconfiguration, the bed is in a 30 degree “V” shape position that willkeep the person from moving toward the head or foot of the bed. Thiscreates a centering of the patient over the surface in both theeast-west (between the side walls) and north-south (between the head andleg elevations) directions.

The epicenter 328 of the pressure relieving surface of the apparatus isdesigned to contact the sacrum of the patient at the top of the glutealfold. This is the area of greatest incidence of pressure ulceration inbed bound individuals. The apparatus is specifically and uniquely shapedto protect this portion of the patient anatomy as it represents thecenter of the pressure relief surface around which the design isconstructed. Conversely, as previously discussed, the repeating patternsof prior art surface designs at are not anatomy specific. The epicenter328 is designed to be placed and fixed on a support surface (e.g.,hospital bed) such that the epicenter 328 is located and/or otherwiseoriented over the break (or “V”) in the bed.

In one embodiment, the epicenter 328 of the apparatus is readilyidentified by its visual characteristics and marked by a central 0.5inch weld at the very center of the pattern. This central half inchcircle is visually aligned with the joint in the bed frame that acts asthe hinge point for flexing or breaking of the bed into the 30 degreeposition.

In one example of installation on bed, the bed is first inspected forthe joint or pivot point. The overlay device or apparatus is then placedon the bed so that the central point or 0.5 inch circular weld withinthe central 4×4 inch relief chamber at the epicenter 328 of the overlayis directly over this joint or hinge point in the bed. Lastly, theoverlay is attached to the bed frame at all four corner of the overlayusing the one or more straps 326. In one embodiment, the straps 326 maybe 1 inch Velcro straps; however any straps that can hold overlay to thebed can be used. The overlay can be placed directly on the mattress andcovered by a fitted sheet or it can be attached to the bed over thefitted sheet. A protective sleeve can be places over the overlay toprotect it and reduce cleaning requirements.

Once a patient is placed on the bed over the overlay device orapparatus, the patient is in a location known to or actively oriented bythe device or apparatus and the control system can then inflate(pressurize) and deflate (depressurize) the pressure relief chambers ofthe relieving portion of the overlay in a preprogrammed cycle forspecific time/pressure values to optimize the pressure-relievingcapabilities of the system. The pressure and timing cycles are alsounique and specific to the design of the system. The pressure and timingcycles may take into account the weight of the patient, the position ofthe bed, and/or the type of surface on which the overlay is resting,etc. The pressures used by the control system may be calculated to bethe minimal pressures needed to achieve even redistribution of highpressure. Interface pressure may be determined by the patient's weightand body position. The greater the weight, the greater the downwardpressure of the patient on the overlay, and thus the greater theinternal pressure will need to be in order to lift the patient off theunderlying mattress in order to effect the redistribution of pressurefrom high points to low points. This data may be programmed into thecontroller by the healthcare team prior to use and is specific for eachpatient.

In one embodiment, the surface area of the pressure-mitigating contactportion 322 (e.g., or pressure relief surface) of the pressuremitigation support apparatus 320 is designed to match the size of thepatient's anatomy in the region of contact made between the patient'ssacral region and the apparatus. Thus, the size of thepressure-mitigating contact portion 322 is the size of the patient'ssurface anatomy between the patient's lower back to the mid thigh region(i.e., the sacral region). The sacral region is typically a 20×20 squareinch area for the standard adult male of 75 Kg. In some embodiments, thepressure mitigation support apparatus 320 may be size matched to thepatient. For example, the pressure mitigation support apparatus 320 maycome in various sizes such as small, medium, large, extra-large, etc.The sizes may thus range from a 12×12 square inch area to a 35×35 (orgreater) square inch area.

The pressure-mitigating contact portion 322 is also patient sizespecific and designed to mirror the size of the patient. Thus, thedevice or apparatus can have several sizes depending on the patient'sanatomy (e.g., small, medium, large, extra-large, etc.). The device orapparatus is designed so that when sized appropriately, the sidesupports 325 will gently contact the hips of the patient on each sidetherefore aligning the patient over the device such that the patient'sanatomy is aligned with the apparatus design which was patterned on thehuman anatomy.

In one embodiment, ideal patterns include designs that when any givenpressure relief chamber is deflated, the pressure relief chambers thatremain inflated are still effective in comfortably supporting the weightof the patient such that a low pressure area is created and maintainedin the area of the deflated relief chamber region by effectively holdingup the patient in the regions where the relief chambers remain inflated.This means that the relief chambers must be neither too large nor toosmall in any given area or region. In one embodiment, each of the threerelief chambers represent around 33% of the total surface area devicewithin a 20×20 square inch area of the sacral region.

With typical support surfaces (e.g., standard hospital bed) a standardmattress or support surface is 36 inches wide. Accordingly, patientsusing these devices still have ample room between the patient and a sidesupport (or bolster) which allows them to move side to side (laterally).As a result with typical or current support surfaces a patient is notheld in a specific location, and thus the typical support surface cannotbe anatomy specific.

For a device that is specifically designed to function optimally whenlocated beneath the patient's anatomy in a specific location, then theability to move around freely over the surface would render that supportsurface ineffective as the patient and the anatomy specific patternwould not be controlled by the addition of the side bolsters. Thisdiffers from other full mattress overlays or mattress support surfacesthat are not sized to matched in size to the contact surface of thepatient's anatomy but are much larger—i.e. standard bed size of 72inches×36 inches. Most adult patients (ave 75 kg) unless extremely obeseare on average 20 inches wide.

In one embodiment, the pressure relief surface is also contoured to fitthe patient's surface topography in the sacral region (i.e., larger inheight to the lateral aspects of the relief surface and shorter inheight to the center of the pressure relief surface). This contourcreates a bowl shape from side to side in the region of the pressurerelief surface that compliments the human topography of the sacralregion. This is in distinction to the consideration of the internalanatomy, namely blood vessels, muscle and bony anatomy. This internalanatomy is considered in the pattern (not height) of the air cell designwhich is distinct from considerations of surface topography that dictatethe vertical height of the inflated air cells to accommodate variationin the surface contours of the human anatomy. Inflation of the apparatuscan result in a bowl shape.

The bowl shape is designed to create an even distribution of pressurewhen all the air cells of the pressure relief surface are inflated. Theresult of the bowl shape is to maximally redistribute pressure away fromthe central area where pressure ulceration is most common—namely at thetop of the gluteal fold. The pressure is displaced to a more laterallocation towards the hips. The 3-D nature or differences in verticalheight throughout the inflated pressure relief surface is not utilizedin prior art designs. Further, the diameter or vertical height of theinflated pressure relief chambers that make up the pressure reliefsurface are specifically designed to be of a suitable height so as notto be so large as to create mal-alignment of the long axis (spine) ofthe patient but also not of a height that would be to small as to beineffective as a pressure relief surface. This vertical height isroughly 2-3 inches on average.

FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B depict top and cross-sectional views, respectively,of an example pressure mitigation support apparatus 400, according to anembodiment. The pressure mitigation support apparatus 400 includes sidesupports 425 and a pressure-mitigating contact portion 422. Thepressure-mitigating contact portion 422 includes a plurality ofindependently pressurized relief chambers 427. The independentlypressurized relief chambers 427 are configured in a specific geometricpattern that effectively mitigates contact pressure between a supportsurface and a specific anatomic region of the patient's body when thespecific anatomic region of the patient's body is oriented over anepicenter of the geometric pattern. The pressure mitigation supportapparatus 400 may be, for example, the pressure mitigation supportapparatus 120 of FIG. 1; although alternative configurations arepossible.

As discussed above, the pressure mitigation support apparatus 400includes channel tubing 436. The channel tubing 436 is separate from thepressure relief surface portion of the device but can be incorporatedinto the design of the device such that the tubing will follow the seamsor channels between the pressure relief surfaces where adjacentindependently pressurized relief chambers meet. In one embodiment, thechannel(s) are recessed into the seams when the relief chambers 427 arepressurized and/or otherwise inflated. Thus, once the relief chambers427 are pressurized and/or otherwise inflated, the channel tubing 436does not make physical contact with the patient. Additionally, thechannel tubing 436 does not contribute to the pressure mitigationfunction of the device or apparatus. That is, the channel tubing 436serves only to circulate pressure (e.g., air, liquid, etc.) between theseams or recessed channels created by the relief chambers 427.

In one embodiment, the pressure that exits the channels does notoriginate from the relief chambers of the pressure relief surfaces. Forexample, the pressure that exits from the multi-channel tubing canoriginate from its own separate source. The pressure or flow from thepressure channels is controlled by a control system such as, forexample, the control system 130 of FIG. 1. The control system cancontrol the pressure (e.g., the air supply) and not by the internalpressure of an air filled bladder that comprises a portion of a pressurerelieving surface as is the case when a device is configured as a lowair loss surface.

The channel tubing 436 is designed as a passive conduit and not aschamber designed to inflate. The channel tubing 436 may be designed notfor low air loss as is the case with previously described low air losssurfaces that leak a low amount of air from the internal reservoir ofthe inflated support surface but the air channels described here deliverdo not leak a high volume of air or gas dedicated only to this purposeand none other. The rate of air flow from the channels is preciselycontrolled by a flow meter and not dependent on internal pressurescreated within the device as is the case with the low air low surfaces.The channels may have one or more openings for the release of air. Thecontrol of the volume of air delivered and not “lost” from the surfaceis under strict control for the device as is not the case of low airloss surfaces. (Volume not pressure control) In a low air loss setting,if the openings are blocked by the weight of the patient, the air whichis at the set pressure of the pressure relieving air chamber will stopflowing. This is different for the air channels described here where theair is delivered by volume control. If the openings to deliver the airare blocked by the weight of the patient, the pressure of the deliveredair will continue to rise until it is greater than the external forceblocking the openings of the air channels. This variable pressure is notpossible in a low air loss configuration. Volume control delivery in alow air loss setting would also control the pressure within the airchamber of the support surface which is undesirable.

FIG. 5 depicts an example pressure mitigation support apparatus 500,according to an embodiment. The pressure mitigation support apparatus500 includes a pressure-mitigating contact portion 222 and one or moreadhesive portions 545. The pressure-mitigating contact portion 222includes a plurality of independently pressurized relief chambers 527.In this example, the independently pressurized relief chambers 527 areconfigured in a specific geometric “C-shape” pattern that mitigatescontact pressure between a support surface and a specific anatomicregion of the patient's body when the specific anatomic region of thepatient's body is oriented over an epicenter of the geometric pattern.The one or more adhesive portions are interconnected on the mitigationsupport apparatus 500. The adhesive portion may be configured toactively orient the specific anatomic region of the patient's body overthe epicenter 528 of the geometric pattern through one or morebiocompatible adhesives. Although the pressure mitigation supportapparatus 500 is shown without side supports, it is appreciated thatsuch supports may be included in some embodiments.

In the example, of FIG. 5, the one or more adhesive portions 545 areshown with cross shading. The one or more adhesive portions 545 may bebiocompatible adhesive portions that extend along a section of theperimeter of the contact pressure-mitigation support apparatus.Alternatively or additionally, the one or more adhesive portions 545 mayextend along at least a section of one or more of the plurality of theindependently pressurized relief chambers such as, for example, the“C-shaped” independently pressurized relief chambers.

In one embodiment, the one or more adhesive portions 545 can be adhereddirectly to the area of concern via a biocompatible adhesive such as,for example, the adhesive material used in common medical band-aids. Inthis case, the pressure mitigation support apparatus 500 may essentiallyact as an inflatable band-aid “like” device that could be in the form ofthe two “C-shapes” around a central area of ulceration or a central areaat risk of ulceration.

FIG. 6 depicts a flow chart illustrating an example process 600 forcoordinated chamber inflation and deflation of a therapeutic surface tostimulate blood flow and reduce pressure while a spatial relationshipbetween a patient and a therapeutic surface is controlled by side-wallsof the therapeutic surface.

As discussed, the inflatable support surface is comprised of the twoside walls and a center portion with multiple separate air bladders (orchambers) designed in a specific pattern to best preserve blood flow andreduce pressure when inflated and deflated in a coordinate fashion thatis controlled by settings in the air pump control device. Process 600describes the coordinated chamber inflation and deflation of atherapeutic surface according to one embodiment.

In step 610, an air pump control system such as, for example, air pumpcontrol system 130 of FIG. 1 determines an initial pressure for each ofa plurality of independently pressurized chambers built into atherapeutic support surface. In step 612, the air pump control systeminitializes one of more of the settings. The initialization of thesetting can include selecting a program and/or one or more pressuretimers. The pressure timers can control when and if to change thepressure at an individual chamber. In one embodiment, each chamber hasits own timer. However, in other embodiments, some chambers may sharetimers. Further, any of the chamber timers can be configured to work inconcert. In one embodiment, one or more of the initialization settingscan be based on the patient (e.g., weight, age, pre-programmed, etc.).In step 614, the air pump control system checks to see if a timer hasexpired, and if so, in step 616, the air pump control system adjusts thepressure in the associated chamber accordingly.

FIG. 7 depicts a schematic diagram illustrating an example pressuremitigation support apparatus 700, according to an embodiment. Thepressure mitigation support apparatus 700 includes side supports 725 anda pressure-mitigating contact portion 422. The pressure-mitigatingcontact portion 722 includes a plurality of independently pressurizedrelief chambers 727. The pressure mitigation support apparatus 700 maybe, for example, the pressure mitigation support apparatus 120 of FIG.1; although alternative configurations are possible.

In one embodiment, the independently pressurized relief chambers 727 areconfigured in a specific geometric pattern that effectively mitigatescontact pressure between a support surface and a specific anatomicregion of the patient's body when the specific anatomic region of thepatient's body is oriented over an epicenter of the geometric pattern.For example, in the example of FIG. 7, three independently pressurizedrelief chambers 727 are shown: M-shaped relief chamber 727 a, leftc-shaped relief chamber 727 b, and right c-shaped relief chamber 728 c.These relief chamber receive pressure or air from corresponding inlets721.

In one embodiment, the geometric pattern includes the firstindependently pressurized relief chamber 727 a which intersects theepicenter of the geographic pattern, and second and third independentlypressurized relief chambers, 727 b and 727 c, respectively, thatcollectively encompass the first independently pressurized reliefchamber. More specifically, in the example of FIG. 7, the firstindependently pressurized relief chamber 727 a generally comprises anM-shape with the epicenter of the geometric pattern residing at theinternal angle formed by the intersecting planes of the M-shape, and thesecond independently pressurized relief chamber 727 b generallycomprises a C-shape that encompasses a left-most bisection of the firstindependently pressurized relief chamber, and the third chamber 727 ccomprises a symmetric mirror image of the second chamber about thebisection of the first chamber.

FIG. 8 depicts a side view of an example system 800 for orienting apatient over an anatomy-specific pressure-mitigating contact surfacewith lower extremity wedge on which the patient rests, according to anembodiment. The example of FIG. 8 is similar to the example of FIG. 1,however the pressure mitigation support apparatus 820 includes a lowerextremity wedge 840 and an optional wedge wrap 850.

In one embodiment, the lower extremity wedge 840 is an inflatable wedgethat is designed to fit (or sit) beneath the lower extremities of theuser. The lower extremity wedge 840 can elevate the legs to provideadditional benefits to a patient or user. In one embodiment, the lowerextremity wedge 840 can be attached to or be part of (integrated into orwith) the side supports 825.

In one embodiment, the lower extremity wedge 840 can prevent themigration of the user toward the foot of the bed (lengthwise movement)and/or can act to further maintain the position of the user over thepressure mitigation support (PMS) apparatus 820 in the Y-axis.

As discussed above, in one embodiment, the pressure mitigation supportapparatus can comprise an overlay that can be extended behind apatient's lower extremities to include a wedge 840 configured to elevatethe legs in order to prevent the user from moving toward the foot of thebed. Accordingly, the wedge 840 aids in the control of the user'slocation over the pressure mitigation support apparatus. As the side airbolsters (side supports 825) orient the user's location over thepressure mitigation support apparatus so too does the wedge 840 behindthe lower extremities by preventing the user from moving toward the footof the bed when the head of the bed is elevated. In one embodiment, thewedge 840 lifts the lower extremities when in use and protects theuser's heals.

In one embodiment, the pressure mitigation support apparatus 820 (or thewedge 840) includes a wedge wrap 850. The wedge wrap 850 can beconfigured to wrap around the lower extremities to serve both as a deepvenous thrombosis prevention device and a pressure ulcer preventiondevice. Accordingly, in operation, the wedge 840 can lift the lowerextremities (e.g., a user's or patient's heels) from the support surface115 leaving the heels less prone to the formation of pressure ulcers.

In one embodiment, all or part of the wedge 840 can be removablydetachable from the pressure relieving portion (i.e., the pressuremigration support apparatus 820) or it may be constructed as one unit.

FIG. 9 shows a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the exampleform of air pump control system 900 within which a set of instructions,for causing the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologiesdiscussed herein, may be executed.

In alternative embodiments, the machine operates as a standalone deviceor may be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines. In a networkeddeployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of a server or aclient machine in a client-server network environment, or as a peermachine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment.

The machine may be a server computer, a client computer, a personalcomputer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a personal digitalassistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a web appliance, a networkrouter, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set ofinstructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be takenby that machine.

While the machine-readable (storage) medium is shown in an exemplaryembodiment to be a single medium, the term “machine-readable (storage)medium” should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media(e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated cachesand servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term“machine-readable medium” or “machine readable storage medium” shallalso be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing, encodingor carrying a set of instructions for execution by the machine and thatcause the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies of thepresent invention.

In general, the routines executed to implement the embodiments of thedisclosure, may be implemented as part of an operating system or aspecific application, component, program, object, module or sequence ofinstructions referred to as “computer programs.” The computer programstypically comprise one or more instructions set at various times invarious memory and storage devices in a computer, and that, when readand executed by one or more processors in a computer, cause the computerto perform operations to execute elements involving the various aspectsof the disclosure.

Moreover, while embodiments have been described in the context of fullyfunctioning computers and computer systems, those skilled in the artwill appreciate that the various embodiments are capable of beingdistributed as a program product in a variety of forms, and that thedisclosure applies equally regardless of the particular type of machineor computer-readable media used to actually effect the distribution.

Further examples of machine or computer-readable media include but arenot limited to recordable type media such as volatile and non-volatilememory devices, floppy and other removable disks, hard disk drives,optical disks (e.g., Compact Disk Read-Only Memory (CD ROMS), DigitalVersatile Disks, (DVDs), etc.), among others, and transmission typemedia such as digital and analog communication links.

Additional Embodiments and Features

Integrated Components

In one embodiment, in addition to the “user orienting” features of theside walls which acts to hold or secure the user over the pressurereduction surface (PRS) such as, for example, the pressure mitigationsupport apparatus 120 of FIG. 1, in a specific orientation in order tomaximize the pressure reduction and redistribution qualities of thesurface, the elevated side walls can also act to hold or secure the userover the entirety of the air cells of the PRS such that no portion ofthe air cells of the PRS is uncovered. In other words, no portion of theair cells extend beyond the downward force of the user. If the air cellsare allowed to extend beyond the downward force, and therefore not becompletely covered by the user, then the air within the air cells couldpreferentially fill the portion of the air cell which remained uncoveredby the user causing a “ballooning effect” of the uncovered portion ofthe air cell at the portion not covered by the user.

In one embodiment, the PRS is designed to fit to the size of the user(or fitted). The ballooning of the uncovered portion of the air cellscan defeat the lifting effect produced by the air cells that occurs whenthe air cell is covered in its entirety by the user. Thus, as a resultof the ballooning, increased air pressure within the air cells can berequired to create the desired lifting of the user. Accordingly, in someinstances, the lowest possible internal air pressure that could be usedto lift the user may not be effective in this regard and additional,higher internal pressures could be necessary to perform the lifting. Theincreased pressures that would defeat the pressure reducing aim of thedevice. The side walls act to keep the user on top of the PRS as well asorient the user over that surface. If the side wall did not exist toframe the PRS, then the user would be free to move off the PRS allowingballooning of the air cells on the opposite side and in addition theanatomy of the user's sacral region would not be in correct alignmentwith the geometry of the PRS. The side walls therefore function in thisdual capacity.

In one embodiment, the inflatable portion of the device can have aspecific orientation on top of the mattress or chair upon which it restssuch that there is a side specific to the user contact and a side thatis specific to the contact of the surface upon which it rests. In thisexample, the upward facing side of the PRS has a covering which isbreathable and suited for direct skin contact while the down side of thePRS that is in contact with the mattress or chair is covered with a lessnon porous material which has a reduced coefficient of friction that isless suitable for direct skin contact. The result of this constructioncan act to protect the user from the negative effects of shear strain onthe skin as the device will preferentially slide over the underlyingsurface as the user stays in position with respect to the device. Thisconstruction can also act to prevent the user from moving from theproper orientation over the PRS of the inflatable portion of the device.

In one embodiment, the maximum pressure reduction and redistribution bythe PRS is achieved when the user is oriented in a specific locationover the pattern of the PRS. The side walls can control the userslocation over the surface in the x axis while the bed, when in aV-position with the legs elevated and the head elevated, acts to centerthe user over the PRS in the y axis.

In one embodiment, the apparatus consists consisting of an inflatableportion (pressure relieving surface), connector tubing and a computercontrolled air pump can be incorporated into a support surface such as amattress. In one embodiment, the additional components can beincorporated or integrated into support surface (e.g., reside within orunder the support surface). Alternatively, the additional components canbe attached to the outer surface of the support surface or mattress suchthe components become an integral part of the support surface withoutbeing inside the support surface. For example, the component can beattached to or attachable to the bed frame which supports the supportsurface or mattress. Alternatively or additionally, some or all of thecomponents can also rest passively on the support surface without beingphysically attached to the support surface.

In one embodiment, the addition of the device (or apparatus) to thesupport surface enhances the functional pressure relief characteristicsof the support surface to which it is added or attached or insertedinto.

In one embodiment, the combination of the device and a support surfacewill not affect the ability of the device to perform its intendedfunction as a pressure relief surface that is designed to orient theusers anatomy with respect to the pattern of the pressure relief surfaceof the device through the use of elevated side walls intended to holdthe users location in a specific manner. The location specificrelationship will enhance the pressure relief capabilities of thedevice.

Computer-Controlled Pump

In one embodiment, a computer controlled pump that controls theinflatable portion of the device can be programmed with the specificweight of the user so as to deliver the correct user-specific pressuresrequired for optimal pressure relief and redistribution for thatparticular user. The pump can continuously adjust the air pressureswithin the inflatable portion of the device so as to achievepredetermined preset internal air pressures within the air cells inorder to achieve the optimal interface pressures between the user andthe pressure relief surface of the device. This process is accomplishedby continuously adding or removing air from the air cells to adjust tothe varying load placed on the pressure relief surface by the user.

In one embodiment, the position of the user (e.g., supine, 30 degrees,90 degrees) is entered into the pump along with the weight of the userso as to calculate the ideal internal air pressures of the air cell ofthe pressure relief surface to produce the ideal pressure reliefcharacteristic for the device. That is the information is provided to apump control device which generates a program that indicates appropriatepressures for each of the air cells over time. The pump control devicethen continuously controls the pump to provide the continuously changingpressures that are indicated by the program.

In one embodiment, the specific nature (e.g., of the stretcher pad—lessthan 3 inches, standard hospital mattress-non powered more than 3inches, alternating pressure air mattress, etc.) of the support surfaceon which the inflatable overlay rests is entered into the computercontrolled air pump in order to calculate the ideal internal pressurefor the air cell of the pressure relief surface in order to produce themost effective pressure relief and redistribution.

In one embodiment, the pre-determined pressure time cycle programmedinto the pump is used to coordinate the inflation and deflation of eachair cell with respect to each other air cell of the inflatable portionof the device so as to produce an effective pressure relief andredistribution surface. The exact internal air pressures for a specificuser can be calculated based the weight of that specific user, thesurface the overlay is resting on, and the position of the bed (e.g., 0degree, 30 degree, 90 degree) on which the overlay rests or isincorporated into. There is an algorithm programmed into the pump whichcalculates the exact pressures used for each user based on thesevariable that are entered for each user.

In one embodiment, the pump can acquire the programmable data regardingutilization, and this data can be sent via direct download or wirelesslyto the computer controlled pump from a central database.

In one embodiment, the pump can utilize a silent valve system so as notto disturb the user.

In one embodiment, the air circulation portion of the inflatable overlayis comprised of a perforated sheet that covers the pressure reliefsurface and is supplied by a separate low pressure high flow pump toproduce air circulating between the surface of the overlay and the userat the interface of the two. In this example, the chamber supplied withhigh flow low pressure air has no pressure relief capabilities and doesnot represent low air loss from the pressure relief air cells that areresponsible for support of the weight of the user as in a low air lossconfiguration where the air in circulation between the user and thesupport surface is leaked directly from the pressure relieving air cellsof the support surface.

In one embodiment, there is a pop off valve in the inflated side wallair cell which contains in a specific location the user over thepressure relief surface of the overlay such that if there is excesspressure placed on the side air wall the internal air is vented from theside air wall so as to prevent a blow out of the side air cell.

In one embodiment, the device can be used solely for the purpose ofcomfort of the user. For example, the device can be used during travelto prevent soreness and/or fatigue associated with long trips such as onairplane or bus or car.

In one embodiment, the pump and/or controller can be powered by ac or dccurrent.

In one embodiment, the device system with one or more of the pump,tubing, and inflatable portion (as described in the original nonprovisional) can be powered by one or more batteries.

In one embodiment, the device can be attached to any support surface,i.e., a chair or a bed. Alternatively or additionally, the device can beincorporated into any support surface, i.e., a bed or a chair.Alternatively or additionally, or the device can placed on top of anysupport surface i.e., a bed or a chair.

In one embodiment, the side walls act to hold the user over the PRS suchthat the entire surface area of the air cells that comprise the PRS iscovered by the downward force of the user in order to prevent theballooning of the air cells in areas not covered by the user by leavingno portion of the air cells uncovered at any location in order toincrease the ability to reduce and redistribute interface pressure atthe lowest internal air cell pressures possible.

In one embodiment, the side of the inflatable portion of the device thatis in contact with the user's skin is breathable and the portion that isin contact with the surface upon which it rests is non-porous and has alow coefficient of friction so as to reduce the shear at the interfacebetween the user and the device while this enables the user to remain inthe proper orientation over the PRS of the device.

In one embodiment, a contact pressure mitigation support apparatusincludes a pressure-mitigating contact portion and a plurality ofelevated side support portions. The pressure-mitigating contact portionis interconnected on a base material and includes a plurality ofindependently pressurized chambers configured in a specific geometricpattern that is designed to mitigate contact pressure between a supportsurface (e.g., bed or chair) and a specific anatomic region of apatient's body when the specific anatomic region of the patient's bodyis oriented over an epicenter of the geometric pattern. The plurality ofelevated side support portions is also interconnected on the basematerial and configured to actively orient the specific anatomic regionof the patient's body over the epicenter of the geometric pattern.

In an embodiment, the contact pressure between the support surface andthe specific anatomic region of the patient's body is mitigated byalternating the pressure in one or more of the plurality ofindependently pressurized relief chambers.

In an embodiment, the elevated side support portions are configured toactively orient the specific anatomic region of the patient's body overthe epicenter of the geometric pattern when pressurized.

In an embodiment, the contact pressure mitigation support apparatusfurther includes one or more straps interconnected on the base material,wherein the one or more straps are configured to secure the pressuremitigation support apparatus to the support surface.

In an embodiment, the contact pressure mitigation support apparatusfurther includes a position sensor interconnected on the base material.The position sensor is configured to confirm that the specific anatomicregion of the patient's body is oriented over the epicenter of thegeometric pattern.

In an embodiment, the contact pressure mitigation support apparatusfurther includes a radio frequency (RF) transceiver interconnected onthe base material and configured to wirelessly transmit the confirmationthat the specific anatomic region of the patient's body is over theepicenter of the geometric pattern and/or receive instructions forindividual chamber pressurization, etc.

In an embodiment, the pressure-mitigating contact portion is contouredto fit the patient's surface topography in the sacral region.

In an embodiment, to fit the patient's surface topography, the pluralityof independently pressurized relief chambers are shorter in height inthe center of the pressure-mitigating contact portion and taller inheight on the edges of the pressure-mitigating contact portion.

In an embodiment, a surface area of the pressure-mitigating contactportion is designed to match the size of contact with the specificanatomic region of the patient's body.

In an embodiment, a surface area of the pressure-mitigating contactportion is designed to be less than the size of contact with thespecific anatomic region of the patient's body.

In an embodiment, the length and the width of the pressure-mitigatingcontact portion are between fifteen and thirty inches.

In an embodiment, the plurality of elevated side support portions areelevated two or more inches in vertical height above the average surfaceheight of the pressure-mitigating contact portion.

In an embodiment, the plurality of elevated side support portions areelevated in vertical height above the average surface height of thepressure-mitigating contact portion so as to create a barrier to lateralmovement.

In an embodiment, the side support portions comprise independentlypressurized chambers.

In an embodiment, the side support portions include a recess to supportthe patient's elbow.

In an embodiment, the independently pressurized relief chambers areconfigured to be independently pressurized with a gas.

In an embodiment, the independently pressurized chambers are configuredto be independently pressurized with a liquid.

In an embodiment, the support surface comprises a mattress.

In an embodiment, the specific anatomic region of the patient's bodycomprises the sacral region.

In an embodiment, to actively orient the specific anatomic region of thepatient's body over the epicenter of the geometric pattern, theplurality of side support portions are configured to confine lateralmovement of the patient.

In an embodiment, to actively orient the specific anatomic region of thepatient's body over the epicenter of the geometric pattern, theepicenter of the geometric pattern is overlaid on a V-shape in thesupport surface such that the epicenter of the apparatus resides overthe low point of the support surface that is conformed into the V-shapeupon which the apparatus rests.

In an embodiment, the anatomic region of the patient's body is segmentedinto various sub-regions and the geometric pattern is configured suchthat each of the independently pressurized chambers correspond to one ofthe various sub-regions.

In an embodiment, the independently pressurized chambers fit to thecorresponding sub-region.

In an embodiment, the geometric pattern is symmetric and non-repeatingin nature.

In an embodiment, the contact pressure mitigation support apparatusincludes one or more channel tubes interconnected on the base material,the channel tubes configured to deliver pressure to the independentlypressurized relief chambers.

In an embodiment, the contact pressure mitigation support apparatusincludes one or more channel tubes interconnected on the base material,the channel tubes can be configured to deliver a gas (i.e., air oroxygen.) from one or more openings in the channel tubes. In this case,the channel tubes are not part of the pressure relieving surface (i.e.,low air loss surface) and the gas delivered from the channel tubes isfrom a source independent from the pressure controlled supply of gas tothe pressurized relief surfaces. That is, the gas delivered by thechannel tubes is high volume and under volume control regulation.

In an embodiment, the one or more channel tubes follow seams between theindependently pressurized relief chambers.

In an embodiment, the seams are recessed between the independentlypressurized relief chambers when one or more of the independentlypressurized relief chambers is pressurized.

In one embodiment, a partial body alternating contact pressure mattressoverlay device is disclosed. The partial body alternating contactpressure mattress overlay device includes a plurality of independentlypressurized chambers, a plurality of elevated side supports, and one ormore straps. The plurality of independently pressurized chambers areconfigured in a geometric pattern that mitigates contact pressurebetween a support surface and a specific anatomic region of a patient'sbody when the specific anatomic region is oriented over an epicenter ofthe geometric pattern. The plurality of elevated side support portionsare configured to actively orient the specific anatomic region over theepicenter of the geometric pattern. The one or more straps areconfigured to secure the pressure mitigation support device to thesupport surface.

In an embodiment, the partial body alternating contact pressure mattressoverlay device further includes a radio frequency identification (RFID)detector configured to configured to detect whether the specificanatomic region of the patient's body is over the epicenter of thegeometric pattern.

In an embodiment, the partial body alternating contact pressure mattressoverlay device further includes one or more pressure sensors configuredto detect the real-time pressure of each of the independentlypressurized chambers.

In one embodiment, an alternating contact pressure mattress includes amattress, a pressure-mitigating contact portion and a plurality ofelevated side support portions. The pressure-mitigating contact portionincludes a plurality of independently pressurized relief chambersinterconnected on the mattress, wherein the independently pressurizedrelief chambers are configured in a geometric pattern that mitigatescontact pressure between a support surface and a specific anatomicregion of a patient's body when the specific anatomic region of thepatient's body is oriented over an epicenter of the geometric pattern.The plurality of elevated side support portions are interconnected onthe mattress and configured to actively orient the specific anatomicregion of the patient's body over the epicenter of the geometricpattern.

In one embodiment, a contact pressure mitigation system is disclosed.The contact pressure mitigation system includes a pressure-mitigatingsupport apparatus and a controller. The pressure-mitigating supportapparatus includes a base material, a pressure-mitigating contactportion including a plurality of independently pressurized reliefchambers interconnected on the base material, wherein the independentlypressurized relief chambers are configured in a geometric pattern thatmitigates contact pressure between a support surface and a specificanatomic region of a patient's body when the specific anatomic region ofthe patient's body is oriented over an epicenter of the geometricpattern, and a plurality of elevated side support portionsinterconnected on the base material, wherein the elevated side supportportions are configured to actively orient the specific anatomic regionof the patient's body over the epicenter of the geometric pattern. Thecontroller is configured to regulate the pressure of each of theindependently pressurized relief chambers.

In one embodiment, a contact pressure-mitigation support apparatusincludes a base material, a pressure-mitigating contact portion, and abiocompatible adhesive portion. The pressure-mitigating contact portioncan include a plurality of independently pressurized relief chambersinterconnected on the base material. The independently pressurizedrelief chambers can be configured in a geometric pattern that mitigatescontact pressure between a support surface and a specific anatomicregion of a patient's body when pressure in the independentlypressurized relief chambers is alternated and the specific anatomicregion of the patient's body is oriented over an epicenter of thegeometric pattern. The biocompatible adhesive portion interconnected onthe base material is configured to actively orient the specific anatomicregion of the patient's body over the epicenter of the geometricpattern.

In an embodiment, the biocompatible adhesive portion extends along atleast a section of the perimeter of the contact pressure-mitigationsupport apparatus. The adhesive may be in direct contact with the skinof the user.

In an embodiment, the biocompatible adhesive portion extends along atleast a section of one or more of the plurality of the independentlypressurized relief chambers.

CONCLUSION

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of“including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the terms “connected,”“coupled,” or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling,either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling ofconnection between the elements can be physical, logical or acombination thereof. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below”and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall referto this application as a whole and not to any particular portions ofthis application. Where the context permits, words in the above DetailedDescription using the singular or plural number may also include theplural or singular number respectively. The word “or,” in reference to alist of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretationsof the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list,and any combination of the items in the list.

The above-detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the teachings to the precise formdisclosed above. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, thedisclosure are described above for illustrative purposes, variousequivalent modifications are possible within the scope of thedisclosure, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. Forexample, while processes or blocks are presented in a given order,alternative embodiments may perform routines having steps, or employsystems having blocks, in a different order, and some processes orblocks may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined and/ormodified to provide alternative or subcombinations. Each of theseprocesses or blocks may be implemented in a variety of different ways.Also, while processes or blocks are at times shown as being performed inseries, these processes or blocks may instead be performed in parallel,or may be performed at different times. Further, any specific numbersnoted herein are only examples; alternative implementations may employdiffering values or ranges.

The teachings of the disclosure provided herein can be applied to othersystems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements andacts of the various embodiments described above can be combined toprovide further embodiments.

What is claimed is:
 1. A contact pressure-mitigation support apparatuscomprising: a base material; and a pressure-mitigating contact portionincluding a plurality of independently pressurized relief chambersinterconnected on the base material, wherein the plurality ofindependently pressurized relief chambers are arranged in a geometricpattern configured to mitigate contact pressure between a supportsurface and a specific anatomic region of a user's body when pressure inthe plurality of independently pressurized relief chambers is alternatedand the specific anatomic region of the user's body is oriented over anepicenter of the geometric pattern, and wherein the plurality ofindependently pressurized relief chambers includes a first independentlypressurized relief chamber that intersects the epicenter of thegeographic pattern, and second and third independently pressurizedrelief chambers that collectively, but not individually, encompass thefirst independently pressurized relief chamber.
 2. The contactpressure-mitigation support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the firstindependently pressurized relief chamber generally comprises an M-shapewith the epicenter of the geometric pattern residing at the internalangle formed by the intersecting planes of the M-shape, wherein thesecond independently pressurized relief chamber generally comprises aC-shape that encompasses a left-most bisection of the firstindependently pressurized relief chamber, and wherein the third chambercomprises a symmetric mirror image of the second independentlypressurized relief chamber about the bisection of the firstindependently pressurized relief chamber.
 3. The contactpressure-mitigation support apparatus of claim 1, wherein thepressure-mitigating contact portion of the contact pressure-mitigationsupport apparatus is fitted to the user's body such that when pressurein the plurality of independently pressurized relief chambers isalternated and the specific anatomic region of the user's body isoriented over the epicenter of the geometric pattern, thepressure-mitigating contact portion does not extend laterally orlengthwise beyond the user's body.
 4. The contact pressure-mitigationsupport apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base material comprises afirst side having a first material disposed thereon and a second sidehaving a second material disposed therein, and wherein the firstmaterial is configured for direct contact with the user's body and thesecond material is configured for direct contact with the supportsurface.
 5. The contact pressure-mitigation support apparatus of claim4, wherein the first material is breathable and more porous than thesecond material.
 6. The contact pressure-mitigation support apparatus ofclaim 4, wherein the first material has a coefficient of friction thatis greater than the coefficient of friction of the second material. 7.The contact pressure-mitigation support apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe contact pressure between the support surface and the specificanatomic region of the user's body is mitigated by alternating thepressure in one or more of the plurality of independently pressurizedrelief chambers.
 8. The contact pressure-mitigation support apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising: a pair of elevated side support portionsconfigured to actively orient the specific anatomic region of the user'sbody over the epicenter of the geometric pattern when pressurized,wherein the pair of elevated side support portions extend longitudinallyalong opposite sides of the base material.
 9. The contactpressure-mitigation support apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least oneelevated side support portion of the plurality of elevated side supportportions includes a pop-off valve, the pop-off valve configured torelease pressure from an elevated side support portion to prevent a blowout if there is excess pressure placed on the elevated side supportportion.
 10. A contact pressure-mitigating support surface comprising: asupport apparatus; a pressure-mitigating contact portion including aplurality of independently pressurized relief chambers incorporated inthe support apparatus, wherein the plurality of independentlypressurized relief chambers are arranged in a geometric patternconfigured to mitigate contact pressure between the support apparatusand a specific anatomic region of a user's body when the specificanatomic region of the user's body is oriented over an epicenter of thegeometric pattern; one or more channel tubes configured to deliverpressure to the plurality of independently pressurized relief chambers;and a pair of elevated side support portions configured to activelyorient the specific anatomic region of the user's body over theepicenter of the geometric pattern, wherein the pair of elevated sidesupport portions extend longitudinally along opposite sides of thesupport apparatus; a pump configured to pressurize each of the pluralityof independently pressurized relief chambers; and a controllerconfigured to regulate the pump.
 11. The contact pressure-mitigatingsupport surface of claim 10, wherein one or more of the one or morechannel tubes, the pump, and the controller reside within the supportapparatus.
 12. The contact pressure-mitigating support surface of claim10, wherein one or more of the one or more channel tubes, the pump, andthe controller are integrated within the support apparatus.
 13. Thecontact pressure-mitigating support surface of claim 10, wherein thepressure-mitigating contact portion is removably attached to the supportapparatus.
 14. The contact pressure-mitigating support surface of claim10, wherein the pressure-mitigating contact portion, when attached orintegrated into the support surface, enhances functional pressure reliefcharacteristics of the support surface.
 15. The contactpressure-mitigating support surface of claim 10, wherein thepressure-mitigating contact portion is configured to rest passively onthe support surface.
 16. The contact pressure-mitigating support surfaceof claim 10, wherein the plurality of independently pressurized reliefchambers includes a first independently pressurized relief chamber thatintersects the epicenter of the geographic pattern, and second and thirdindependently pressurized relief chambers that collectively encompassthe first independently pressurized relief chamber, and wherein thefirst independently pressurized relief chamber generally comprises anM-shape with the epicenter of the geometric pattern residing at theinternal angle formed by the intersecting planes of the M-shape, whereinthe second independently pressurized relief chamber generally comprisesa C-shape that encompasses a left-most bisection of the firstindependently pressurized relief chamber, and wherein the third chambercomprises a symmetric mirror image of the second independentlypressurized relief chamber about the bisection of the firstindependently pressurized relief chamber.
 17. The contactpressure-mitigating support surface of claim 10, wherein thepressure-mitigating contact portion of the contact pressure-mitigationsupport apparatus is fitted to the user's body such that when pressurein the plurality of independently pressurized relief chambers isalternated and the specific anatomic region of the user's body isoriented over the epicenter of the geometric pattern, thepressure-mitigating contact portion does not extend laterally orlengthwise beyond the user's body.
 18. The contact pressure-mitigatingsupport surface of claim 10, wherein the pressure-mitigating contactportion of the contact pressure-mitigation support apparatus iscomprised of a perforated sheet that covers the pressure-mitigatingcontact portion, and wherein the perforated sheet includes a chamberthat is supplied by a low pressure, high flow pump to producecirculation between the surface of the perforated sheet and the user atthe interface of the surface of the perforated sheet and the user. 19.The contact pressure-mitigating support surface of claim 18, wherein thechamber supplied by the low pressure, high flow pump does not includepressure relief capabilities and does not represent low air loss fromthe plurality of independently pressurized relief chambers that areresponsible for support of the weight of the user as in a low air lossconfiguration, and wherein the circulation between the user and thesupport surface is leaked directly from the plurality of independentlypressurized relief chambers of the support surface.
 20. A contactpressure-mitigating system comprising: a contact pressure-mitigationsupport apparatus including a base material, a pressure-mitigatingcontact portion including a plurality of independently pressurizedrelief chambers interconnected on the base material, wherein theplurality of independently pressurized relief chambers are configured ina geometric pattern that mitigates contact pressure between a supportsurface and a specific anatomic region of a user's body when pressure inthe plurality of independently pressurized relief chambers is alternatedand the specific anatomic region of the user's body is oriented over anepicenter of the geometric pattern, and a pair of elevated side supportportions configured to actively orient the specific anatomic region ofthe user's body over the epicenter of the geometric pattern whenpressurized, wherein the pair of elevated side support portions extendlongitudinally along opposite sides of the base material; a pumpconfigured to pressurize each of the plurality of independentlypressurized relief chambers; and a controller configured to regulatepressure provided by the pump.
 21. The contact pressure-mitigatingsystem of claim 20, wherein the geometric pattern includes a firstindependently pressurized relief chamber that intersects the epicenterof the geographic pattern, and second and third independentlypressurized relief chambers that collectively encompass the firstindependently pressurized relief chamber.
 22. The contactpressure-mitigating system of claim 20, wherein the first independentlypressurized relief chamber generally comprises an M-shape with theepicenter of the geometric pattern residing at the internal angle formedby the intersecting planes of the M-shape, wherein the secondindependently pressurized relief chamber generally comprises a C-shapethat encompasses a left-most bisection of the first independentlypressurized relief chamber, and wherein the third independentlypressurized relief chamber comprises a symmetric mirror image of thesecond independently pressurized relief chamber about the bisection ofthe first independently pressurized relief chamber.
 23. The contactpressure-mitigating system of claim 20, wherein the contact pressurebetween the support surface and the specific anatomic region of theuser's body is mitigated by alternating the pressure in one or more ofthe plurality of independently pressurized relief chambers.
 24. Thecontact pressure-mitigating system of claim 20, wherein the controllercontinuously determines the pressures for the plurality of independentlypressurized relief chambers for optimal interface pressure between theuser and the contact pressure-mitigation support apparatus.
 25. Thecontact pressure-mitigating system of claim 20, wherein the controllercontinuously determines the pressures based on one or more pressurecriteria, the pressure criteria including a weight of the user, aposition of the user, or characteristics of the support surface, andwherein the controller continuously directs the pump to pressurize eachof the independently pressurized relief chambers according to thedetermined pressures.
 26. The contact pressure-mitigating system ofclaim 25, wherein the controller is configured to receive the one ormore pressure criteria wirelessly from a central database or via a portor connection in communication with the controller.
 27. The contactpressure-mitigating system of claim 25, wherein the characteristics ofthe support surface include: a position of the support surface or a typeof support surface.
 28. The contact pressure-mitigating system of claim20, wherein the user utilizes the contact pressure-mitigating supportsurface for comfort or non-medical purposes to prevent soreness andfatigue, and wherein the non-medical purposes include travel.
 29. Thecontact pressure-mitigating system of claim 20, wherein the pumpincludes a silent valve system.
 30. A partial body alternating contactpressure overlay device comprising: a base material; apressure-mitigating contact portion including a plurality ofindependently pressurized relief chambers interconnected on the basematerial, wherein the independently pressurized relief chambers areconfigured in a geometric pattern that mitigates contact pressurebetween a support surface and a specific anatomic region of a user'sbody when pressure in the independently pressurized relief chambers isalternated and the specific anatomic region of the user's body isoriented over an epicenter of the geometric pattern; and a plurality ofelevated side support portions interconnected on the base material,wherein the side support portions are configured to actively orient thespecific anatomic region of the user's body over the epicenter of thegeometric pattern; one or more straps interconnected on the basematerial, wherein the one or more straps are configured to secure thepressure mitigation support apparatus to the support surface; whereinthe geometric pattern includes a first independently pressurized reliefchamber that intersects the epicenter of the geographic pattern, andsecond and third independently pressurized relief chambers thatcollectively encompass the first independently pressurized reliefchamber, and wherein the first independently pressurized relief chambergenerally comprises an M-shape with the epicenter of the geometricpattern residing at the internal angle formed by the intersecting planesof the M-shape, and wherein the second independently pressurized reliefchamber generally comprises a C-shape that encompasses a left-mostbisection of the first independently pressurized relief chamber, andwherein the third chamber comprises a symmetric mirror image of thesecond chamber about the bisection of the first chamber.